A REPLACEMENT athletics ground would have to be built in King's Park before AFC Bournemouth could start work on its new stadium.

This was the message told to around 200 members, friends and supporters of Bournemouth Athletics Club on Thursday night.

The open forum at the club in King's Park was held following last week's reports that the football cub is planning to build a new stadium on land currently occupied by the track.

Concerns about the future of the athletics club as well as the wider use of the park were put to representatives from Bournemouth Council and England Athletics.

But members were told that if a planning application was submitted by AFC Bournemouth for a new stadium then there would be an agreement in place which would insist the club build a new stadium for the athletics club before it starts building its own.

Michael Rowland, head of parks development at Bournemouth Council, said: “If this goes ahead the football club would need to provide a new site for the athletics club before they knock the current one down.

“They would need to build a replacement stadium before a pick axe went into the ground of the current one.”

There were also concerns about the amount of green space left with a stadium double the current size, a new athletics stadium and increased car parking facilities.

One member of the crown said that “it would be a crying shame to lose the green space” as it is so well used.

Mr Rowland added: “We need to make sure the park works for everyone who uses it. It’s not just about football or athletics.

“We need to make sure we have a better park afterwards if this happens.”

Meanwhile Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing and parks, reminded the public that the proposals are "only discussions at this stage" and that there is no planning application yet, and one is unlikely to be submitted for another 12 months.

Cllr Lawton added: “It remains to be seen whether the athletics club will be moved but I can assure you that it will remain in the area.

“In the end you could end up with a better stadium which would be fantastic for the club.

“But this is also a fantastic opportunity for AFC Bournemouth. Since entering the Premier League the club has already raised the profile of the town and put us on the map."

Bournemouth Athletics Club chairman Robin James said it was great to hear such positive support from the council, but also called on all members and supporters to get involved to make sure the club is protected.

The athletics centre in King's Park was opened in 1960 and the club currently has over 400 members, with club officials stating the venue serves thousands of athletes every year.

"It has grown through a number of legacy projects since the London 2012 Olympic Games, with 120 children taking part in the sport every week," added Mr James.

"It is also a great asset to schools in the area and is used by local children with special needs. We need to keep it at King's Park."